What is Girls on the Run®?

Girls on the Run® is a national after school program for 3rd – 5th (Girls on the Run®) and 6th – 8th (Girls on Track®) grade girls that uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Through interactive activities such as running, playing games, and discussing important issues, participants learn how to celebrate being girls. The program focuses on building self-esteem and improving emotional and physical health. During the 10-week program, girls are empowered with a greater self-awareness, a sense of achievement and a foundation in team building to help them become strong, contented and self-confident young women.

Each session is led by trained female coaches that guide and mentor girls through a fun and uplifiting evidenced-based curriculum. Coaches teach specific life lessons such as dealing with body image and the media, resisting peer-pressure, making healthy decisions, and contributing to the community.  Along the way, the girls train together to walk or run in a 5K (3.1 mile) event.

The Maricopa County Council of Girls on the Run® began in 2005 with just 15 girls. Today, in 2010, we are reaching over 300 girls throughout the county. For more information on how to participate, volunteer, or donate, please visit our local website.

Visit the national website at GOTRI.